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This Lease Contract is only valid if filled out before January 1, 2014.
Apartment Lease Contract
Date of Lease Contract:__________________________________
(when this Lease Contract is filled out)
This is a binding contract. Read carefully before signing.
Moving In — General Information
1.
single month’s rent. We will not impose late charges until at least the third
day of the month. You’ll also pay a charge of $____________ for each
returned check or rejected electronic payment, plus initial and daily late
charges until we receive acceptable payment. If you don’t pay rent on
time, you’ll be in default and all remedies under state law and this Lease
Contract will be authorized. If you violate the animal restrictions of
paragraph 27 or other animal rules, you’ll pay an initial charge of
$____________ per animal (not to exceed $100 per animal) and a daily
charge of $____________ per animal (not to exceed $10 per day per animal)
from the date the animal was brought into your apartment until it is finally
removed. We’ll also have all other remedies for such violation.
PARTIES. This Lease Contract is between you, the resident(s) (list all people
signing the Lease Contract): _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
(name of apartment community or title holder). You’ve agreed to rent
FOR
ACTUAL
USE
Apartment
No. _________,
at ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________ and us, the owner:
______________________________________________ (street address)
in ____________________________________________________(city),
7.
Texas, _______________________ (zip code) for use as a private residence
only. The terms “you” and “your” refer to all residents listed above, and
a person authorized to act in the event of a sole resident’s death. The terms
“we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the owner listed above and not to property
managers or anyone else. Written notice to or from our managers
constitutes notice to or from us. If anyone else has guaranteed performance
of this Lease Contract, a separate Lease Contract Guaranty for each
guarantor must be executed.
2.
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OCCUPANTS. The apartment will be occupied only by you and (list all
other occupants not signing the Lease Contract):
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
No one else may occupy the apartment. Persons not listed above must not
stay in the apartment for more than _____ consecutive days without our
prior written consent, and no more than twice that many days in any one
month. If the previous space isn’t filled in, two days per month is the limit.
3.
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LEASE CONTRACT TERM. The initial term of the Lease Contract begins
on the _________ day of ___________________________, _________ (year),
and ends at midnight the __________ day of ________________________,
_________ (year). This Lease Contract will automatically renew month-tomonth unless either party gives at least __________ days written notice of
termination or intent to move-out as required by paragraph 37. If the
number of days isn’t filled in, at least 30 days notice is required.
8.
INSURANCE. Our insurance does not cover the loss of or damage to your personal
property. You are [check one]:
❒ required to buy and maintain renter’s or liability insurance (see
attached addendum), or
❒ not required to buy renter’s or liability insurance.
If neither is checked, insurance is not required but is still strongly recommended.
If not required, we urge you to get your own insurance for losses due to theft, fire,
water damage, pipe leaks and other similar occurrences. Renter’s insurance does
not cover losses due to a flood. Information on renter’s insurance is available
from the Texas Department of Insurance.
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4.
SECURITY DEPOSIT. The total security deposit for all residents is
$_________, due on or before the date this Lease Contract is signed. This
amount [check one]: ❒ does or ❒ does not include an animal deposit. Any
animal deposit will be stated in an animal addendum. See paragraphs
41 and 42 for security deposit return information.
5.
KEYS, FURNITURE AND AFFIDAVIT OF MOVE-OUT. You will be
provided ________ apartment key(s), ________ mailbox key(s), and ________
other access devices for ________________________. Any resident, occupant,
or spouse who, according to a remaining resident’s affidavit, has
permanently moved out or is under court order to not enter the apartment,
is (at our option) no longer entitled to occupancy, keys, or other access
devices. Your apartment will be [check one]: ❒ furnished or ❒ unfurnished.
6.
UTILITIES/SERVICES. We’ll pay for the following items, if checked:
❒ gas
❒ water
❒ wastewater ❒ electricity ❒ trash/recycling
❒ cable/satellite ❒ master antenna ❒ Internet ❒ stormwater/drainage
❒ other _______________________________________________________.
You’ll pay for all other utilities and services, related deposits, and any
charges or fees on such utilities and services during your Lease Contract
term. You must not allow any utilities (other than cable or Internet) to
be cut off or switched for any reason—including disconnection for not
paying your bills—until the Lease Contract term or renewal period ends.
If a utility is submetered or prorated by an allocation formula, we will attach
an addendum to this Lease Contract in compliance with state agency rules.
If a utility is individually metered, it must be connected in your name and
you must notify the utility provider of your move-out date so the meter can
be timely read. If you delay getting it turned on in your name by lease
commencement or cause it to be transferred back into our name before you
surrender or abandon the apartment, you’ll be liable for a $___________
charge (not to exceed $50 per violation), plus the actual or estimated cost
of the utilities used while the utility should have been connected in your
name. If you are in an area open to competition and your apartment
is individually metered, you may choose or change your retail electric
provider at any time. If you qualify, your provider will be the same
as ours, unless you choose a different provider. If you choose or change
your provider, you must give us written notice. You must pay all applicable
provider fees, including any fees to change service back into our name after
you move out.
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will
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in advance and without demand:
❒ at the onsiteACTUAL
manager’s office
FOR
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❒ through our online payment site
❒ at ____________________________________________________.
Prorated rent of $___________ is due for the remainder of [check one]: ❒ 1st
month or ❒ 2nd month, on ______________________________, ___________
(year). Otherwise, you must pay your rent on or before the 1st day of each
month (due date) with no grace period. Cash is unacceptable without our prior
written permission. You must not withhold or offset rent unless authorized by
statute. We may, at our option, require at any time that you pay all rent and
other sums in cash, certified or cashier’s check, money order, or one monthly
check rather than multiple checks. If you don’t pay all rent on or before the
____________ day of the month, you’ll pay an initial late charge of
$____________ plus a daily late charge of $____________ per day after that
date until paid in full. Daily late charges will not exceed 15 days for any
9.
SECURITY DEVICES. What We Must Provide. Texas law requires, with
some exceptions, that we must provide at no cost to you when occupancy
begins: (1) a window latch on each window; (2) a doorviewer (peephole)
on each exterior door; (3) a pin lock on each sliding door; (4) either a door
handle latch or a security bar on each sliding door; (5) a keyless bolting
device (deadbolt) on each exterior door; and (6) either a keyed doorknob
lock or a keyed deadbolt lock on one entry door. Keyed lock(s) will be
rekeyed after the prior resident moves out. The rekeying will be done either
before you move in or within 7 days after you move in, as required by
statute. If we fail to install or rekey security devices as required by law,
you have the right to do so and deduct the reasonable cost from your next
rent payment under Section 92.165(1), Texas Property Code.
What You Are Now Requesting. Subject to some limitations, under Texas
law you may at any time ask us to: (1) install one keyed deadbolt lock on
an exterior door if it does not have one; (2) install a security bar on a sliding
glass door if it does not have one; and (3) change or rekey locks or latches.
We must comply with those requests, but you must pay for them. Subject to
statutory restrictions on what security devices you may request, you are now
requesting us to install or change at your expense: __________________________
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________________ If no item is filled in, then you are requesting none at this time.
Payment.
We willACTUAL
pay for missing security devices
that are required
FOR
USE
by statute. You will pay for: (1) rekeying that you request (except
when we failed to rekey after the previous resident moved out); and
(2) repairs or replacements due to misuse or damage by you or your
family, occupants, or guests. You must pay immediately after the work
is done unless state statute authorizes advance payment. You also must
pay for additional or changed security devices you request, in advance
or afterward, at our option.
Special Provisions and “What If” Clauses
10. SPECIAL PROVISIONS. The following or attached special provisions
and any addenda or written rules furnished to you at or before signing
will become a part of this Lease Contract and will supersede any
conflicting provisions of this printed Lease Contract form.
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YOUR INITIALS: _________, INITIALS OF OUR REPRESENTATIVE: __________
11. UNLAWFUL EARLY MOVE-OUT; RELETTING CHARGE. You’ll
be liable for a reletting charge of $____________ (not to exceed 85%
of the highest monthly rent during the Lease Contract term) if you:
(1) fail to move in, or fail to give written move-out notice as
required in paragraphs 23 or 37; or
(2) move out without paying rent in full for the entire Lease
Contract term or renewal period; or
(3) move out at our demand because of your default; or
(4) are judicially evicted.
The reletting charge is not a cancellation fee and does not release you from your
obligations under this Lease Contract. See the first paragraph of page 2.
APARTMENT LEASE CONTRACT © 2011, TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, INC.
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Not a Release. The reletting charge is not a Lease Contract
cancellation or buyout fee. It is a liquidated amount covering only part
of our damages; that is, our time, effort, and expense in finding and
processing a replacement. These damages are uncertain and difficult
to ascertain—particularly those relating to make ready, inconvenience,
paperwork, advertising, showing apartments, utilities for showing,
checking prospects, overhead, marketing costs, and locator-service
fees. You agree that the reletting charge is a reasonable estimate of
such damages and that the charge is due whether or not our reletting
attempts succeed. If no amount is stipulated, you must pay our
actual reletting costs so far as they can be determined. The reletting
charge does not release you from continued liability for: future or
past-due rent; charges for cleaning, repairing, repainting, or unreturned
keys; or other sums due.
12. DAMAGES AND REIMBURSEMENT. You must promptly pay
or reimburse us for loss, damage, consequential damages,
government fines or charges, or cost of repairs or service in the
apartment community due to: a violation of the Lease Contract
or rules; improper use; negligence; other conduct by you or your
invitees, guests or occupants; or any other cause not due to our
negligence or fault. You will indemnify and hold us harmless from
all liability arising from the conduct of you, your invitees, guests,
or occupants, or our representatives who perform at your request
services not contemplated in this Lease Contract. Unless the
damage or wastewater stoppage is due to our negligence, we’re
not liable for—and you must pay for—repairs, replacements
and damage to the following if occurring during the Lease
Contract term or renewal period: (1) damage to doors, windows,
or screens; (2) damage from windows or doors left open; and
(3) damage from wastewater stoppages caused by improper
objects in lines exclusively serving your apartment. We may
require payment at any time, including advance payment of
repairs for which you’re liable. Delay in demanding sums you owe
is not a waiver.
13. CONTRACTUAL LIEN AND PROPERTY LEFT IN
APARTMENT. All property in the apartment is (unless exempt
under Section 54.042, Texas Property Code) subject to a
contractual lien to secure payment of delinquent rent (except
as prohibited by Section 2306.6736, Texas Government Code,
for owners supported by housing tax credit allocations). For this
purpose, “apartment” excludes common areas but includes interior
living areas and exterior patios, balconies, attached garages, and
storerooms for your exclusive use.
Removal After We Exercise Lien for Rent. If your rent is
delinquent, our representative may peacefully enter the
apartment and remove and/or store all property subject to lien.
Written notice of entry must be left afterwards in the apartment in
a conspicuous place—plus a list of items removed. The notice must
state the amount of delinquent rent and the name, address, and phone
number of the person to contact about the amount owed. The notice
must also state that the property will be promptly returned when the
delinquent rent is fully paid. All property in the apartment is presumed
to be yours unless proven otherwise.
Removal After Surrender, Abandonment, or Eviction. We or law
officers may remove or store all property remaining in the apartment
or in common areas (including any vehicles you or any occupant or
guest owns or uses) if you are judicially evicted or if you surrender or
abandon the apartment (see definitions in paragraph 42).
Storage. We will store property removed under a contractual lien.
We may, but have no duty to, store property removed after judicial
eviction, surrender, or abandonment of the apartment. We’re not
liable for casualty loss, damage, or theft except for property removed
under a contractual lien. You must pay reasonable charges for our
packing, removing, storing, and selling any property. We have a lien
on all property removed and stored after surrender, abandonment,
or judicial eviction for all sums you owe, with one exception: Our lien
on property listed under Texas Property Code Section 54.042 is
limited to charges for packing, removing, and storing.
Redemption. If we’ve seized and stored property under a contractual
lien for rent as authorized by law, you may redeem the property by
paying all delinquent rent due at the time of seizure. But if notice
of sale (set forth as follows) is given before you seek redemption, you
may redeem only by paying the delinquent rent and reasonable
charges for packing, removing, and storing. If we’ve removed and
stored property after surrender, abandonment, or judicial eviction,
you may redeem only by paying all sums you owe, including rent,
late charges, reletting charges, storage, damages, etc. We may
return redeemed property at the place of storage, the management
office, or the apartment (at our option). We may require payment
by cash, money order, or certified check.
Disposition or Sale. Except for animals and property removed
after the death of a sole resident, we may throw away or give to a
charitable organization all items of personal property that are: (1) left
in the apartment after surrender or abandonment; or (2) left outside
more than 1 hour after writ of possession is executed, following
judicial eviction. Animals removed after surrender, abandonment, or
eviction may be kenneled or turned over to local authorities or humane
societies. Property not thrown away or given to charity may be
disposed of only by sale, which must be held no sooner than 30 days
after written notice of date, time, and place of sale is sent by both
regular mail and certified mail (return receipt requested) to your last
known address. The notice must itemize the amounts you owe and
the name, address, and phone number of the person to contact about
the sale, the amount owed, and your right to redeem the property. Sale
may be public or private, is subject to any third-party ownership or
lien claims, must be to the highest cash bidder, and may be in bulk,
in batches, or item-by-item. Proceeds exceeding sums owed must be
mailed to you at your last known address within 30 days after sale.
14. FAILING TO PAY FIRST MONTH’S RENT. If you don’t pay the
first month’s rent when or before the Lease Contract begins, all future
rent will be automatically accelerated without notice and immediately
due. We also may end your right of occupancy and recover
damages, future rent, reletting charges, attorney’s fees, court costs,
and other lawful charges. Our rights, remedies, and duties under
paragraphs 11 and 32 apply to acceleration under this paragraph.
15. RENT INCREASES AND LEASE CONTRACT CHANGES. No
rent increases or Lease Contract changes are allowed before the initial
Lease Contract term ends, except for changes allowed by any special
provisions in paragraph 10, by a written addendum or amendment
signed by you and us, or by reasonable changes of apartment rules
allowed under paragraph 18. If, at least 5 days before the advance
notice deadline referred to in paragraph 3, we give you written notice
of rent increases or Lease Contract changes effective when the Lease
Contract term or renewal period ends, this Lease Contract will
automatically continue month-to-month with the increased rent or
Lease Contract changes. The new modified Lease Contract will begin
on the date stated in the notice (without necessity of your
signature) unless you give us written move-out notice under paragraph
37. The written move-out notice under paragraph 37 applies only to
the end of the current Lease Contract or renewal period.
16. DELAY OF OCCUPANCY. If occupancy is or will be delayed for
construction, repairs, cleaning, or a previous resident’s holding over,
we’re not responsible for the delay. The Lease Contract will remain
in force subject to: (1) abatement of rent on a daily basis during
delay; and (2) your right to terminate as set forth below. Termination
notice must be in writing. After termination, you are entitled only
to refund of deposit(s) and any rent paid. Rent abatement or Lease
Contract termination does not apply if delay is for cleaning or repairs
that don’t prevent you from occupying the apartment.
If there is a delay and we haven’t given notice of delay as set forth
immediately below, you may terminate up to the date when the
apartment is ready for occupancy, but not later.
(1) If we give written notice to any of you when or after the Lease
Contract begins—and the notice states that occupancy has
been delayed because of construction or a previous resident’s
holding over, and that the apartment will be ready on a specific
date— you may terminate the Lease Contract within 3 days of
your receiving the notice, but not later.
(2) If we give written notice to any of you before the effective Lease
Contract date and the notice states that construction delay is
expected and that the apartment will be ready for you to
occupy on a specific date, you may terminate the Lease
Contract within 7 days after any of you receives written notice,
but not later. The readiness date is considered the new effective
Lease Contract date for all purposes. This new date may not
be moved to an earlier date unless we and you agree.
17. DISCLOSURE RIGHTS. If someone requests information on you
or your rental history for law-enforcement, governmental, or business
purposes, we may provide it. At our request, any utility provider
may furnish us information about pending or actual connections or
disconnections of utility service to your apartment.
While You’re Living in the Apartment
18. COMMUNITY POLICIES OR RULES. You and all guests and
occupants must comply with any written apartment rules and
community policies, including instructions for care of our property.
Our rules are considered part of this Lease Contract. We may make
reasonable changes to written rules, effective immediately, if they
are distributed and applicable to all units in the apartment
community and do not change dollar amounts on page 1 of this
Lease Contract.
19. LIMITATIONS ON CONDUCT. The apartment and other areas
reserved for your private use must be kept clean. Trash must be
disposed of at least weekly in appropriate receptacles in accordance
with local ordinances. Passageways may be used only for entry or
exit. Any swimming pools, saunas, spas, tanning beds, exercise
rooms, storerooms, laundry rooms, and similar areas must be used
with care in accordance with apartment rules and posted signs.
Glass containers are prohibited in or near pools and all other
common areas. You, your occupants, or guests may not anywhere
in the apartment community: use candles or use kerosene lamps
or heaters without our prior written approval; cook on balconies or
outside; or solicit business or contributions. Conducting any kind
of business (including child care services) in your apartment or in
the apartment community is prohibited—except that any lawful
APARTMENT LEASE CONTRACT
© 2011, TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, INC.
business conducted “at home” by computer, mail, or telephone is
permissible if customers, clients, patients, or other business associates
do not come to your apartment for business purposes. We may
regulate: (1) the use of patios, balconies, and porches; (2) the
conduct of furniture movers and delivery persons; and (3) activities
in common areas.
We may exclude from the apartment community guests or others
who, in our judgment, have been violating the law, violating this
Lease Contract or any apartment rules, or disturbing other residents,
neighbors, visitors, or owner representatives. We may also exclude
from any outside area or common area a person who refuses to show
photo identification or refuses to identify himself or herself as a
resident, occupant, or guest of a specific resident in the community.
You will notify us within 15 days if you or any occupants are
convicted of any felony, or misdemeanor involving a controlled
substance, violence to another person or destruction of property.
You also agree to notify us within 15 days if you or any occupants
register as a sex offender in any state. Informing us of criminal
convictions or sex offender registry does not waive any rights we
have against you.
20. PROHIBITED CONDUCT. You and your occupants or guests may
not engage in the following activities: criminal conduct; behaving in
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leaks, hail, ice, snow, lightning, wind, explosions, interruption of
utilities, pipe leaks, theft, negligent or intentional acts of residents,
occupants or guests, or vandalism unless otherwise required by law.
We have no duty to remove any ice, sleet, or snow but may remove any
amount with or without notice. Unless we instruct otherwise, you must—
for 24 hours a day during freezing weather—(1) keep the apartment heated
to at least 50 degrees; (2) keep cabinet and closet doors open; and (3) drip
hot and cold water faucets. You’ll be liable for damage to our and others’
property if damage is caused by broken water pipes due to your violating
these requirements.
Crime or Emergency. Dial 911 or immediately call local medical
emergency, fire, or police personnel in case of accident, fire, smoke,
suspected criminal activity, or other emergency involving imminent harm.
You should then contact our representative. You won’t treat any of our
security measures as an express or implied warranty of security, or as a
guarantee against crime or of reduced risk of crime. Unless otherwise
provided by law, we’re not liable to you or any guests or occupants for injury,
damage, or loss to person or property caused by criminal conduct of other
persons, including theft, burglary, assault, vandalism, or other crimes. Even
if previously provided, we’re not obligated to furnish security personnel,
patrols, lighting, gates or fences, or other forms of security unless required
by statute. We’re not responsible for obtaining criminal-history checks on
any residents, occupants, guests, or contractors in the apartment community.
If you or any occupant or guest is affected by a crime, you must make a written
report to our representative and to the appropriate local law-enforcement
agency. You also must furnish us with the law-enforcement agency’s
incident report number upon request.
a loud or obnoxious manner; disturbing or threatening the rights, comfort,
health, safety, or convenience of others (including our agents and employees)
in or near the apartment community; disrupting our business operations;
manufacturing, delivering, or possessing a controlled substance or drug
paraphernalia; engaging in or threatening violence; possessing a weapon
prohibited by state law; discharging a firearm in the apartment community;
displaying or possessing a gun, knife, or other weapon in the common area in
a way that may alarm others; storing anything in closets having gas appliances;
tampering with utilities or telecommunications; bringing hazardous materials
into the apartment community; using windows for entry or exit; heating the
apartment with a gas-operated cooking stove or oven; or injuring our reputation
by making bad faith allegations against us to others.
21.
PARKING. We may regulate the time, manner, and place of parking all
cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, trailers, and recreational vehicles.
Motorcycles or motorized bikes may not be parked inside an apartment
or on sidewalks, under stairwells, or in handicapped parking areas. We
may have unauthorized or illegally parked vehicles towed or booted
according to state law at the owner or operator’s expense at any time if it:
(1) has a flat tire or is otherwise inoperable
(2) is on jacks, blocks or has wheel(s) missing
(3) takes up more than one parking space
(4) belongs to a resident or occupant who has surrendered or abandoned
the apartment
(5) is in a handicap space without the legally required handicap insignia
(6) is in a space marked for office visitors, managers, or staff
(7) blocks another vehicle from exiting
(8) is in a fire lane or designated “no parking” area
(9) is in a space marked for other resident(s) or apartment(s)
(10) is on the grass, sidewalk, or patio
(11) blocks garbage trucks from access to a dumpster, or
(12) has no current license, registration or inspection sticker, and we give
you at least 10 days notice that the vehicle will be towed if not removed.
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RELEASE OF RESIDENT. Unless you’re entitled to terminate this Lease
Contract under paragraphs 10, 16, 23, 31 or 37, you won’t be released from
this Lease Contract for any reason—including but not limited to voluntary
or involuntary school withdrawal or transfer, voluntary or involuntary job
transfer, marriage, separation, divorce, reconciliation, loss of co-residents,
loss of employment, bad health, death, or property purchase. You may also
have the right under Texas law to terminate the Lease Contract in certain
situations involving family violence or sexual assault.
Death of Sole Resident. If you are the sole resident and die during the
Lease Contract term, the Lease Contract may be terminated without penalty
by an authorized representative of your estate with at least 30 days written
notice. Your estate will be liable for payment of rent until the latter of: (1)
the termination date, or (2) until all possessions in the apartment are
removed. Your estate will also be liable for all charges and damages to the
apartment until it is vacated, and any removal and storage costs.
23.
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MILITARY PERSONNEL CLAUSE. You may have the right under
Texas law to terminate the Lease Contract in certain situations involving
military deployment or transfer. You may terminate the Lease Contract
if you enlist or are drafted or commissioned in the U.S. Armed Forces.
You also may terminate the Lease Contract if:
(1)
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you are (i) a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or reserves on active
duty or (ii) a member of the National Guard called to active duty
for more than 30 days in response to a national emergency declared
by the President; and
you (i) receive orders for permanent change-of-station, (ii) receive
orders to deploy with a military unit or as an individual in support
of a military operation for 90 days or more, or (iii) are relieved or
released from active duty.
26.
After you deliver to us your written termination notice, the Lease Contract
will be terminated under this military clause 30 days after the date on
which your next rental payment is due. You must furnish us a copy of
your military orders, such as permanent change-of-station orders, callup orders, or deployment orders or letter. Military permission for base
housing doesn’t constitute a permanent change-of-station order. After
your move out, we’ll return your security deposit, less lawful deductions.
For the purposes of this Lease Contract, orders described in (2) above will
only release the resident who qualifies under (1) and (2) above and
receives the orders during the Lease Contract term and such resident’s
spouse or legal dependents living in the resident’s household. A coresident who is not your spouse or dependent cannot terminate under
this military clause. Unless you state otherwise in paragraph 10, you
represent when signing this Lease Contract that: (1) you do not already
have deployment or change-of-station orders; (2) you will not be retiring
from the military during the Lease Contract term; and (3) the term of your
enlistment or obligation will not end before the Lease Contract term ends.
Liquidated damages for making a false representation of the above will
be the amount of unpaid rent for the remainder of the lease term when
and if you move out, less rents from others received in mitigation under
paragraph 32. You must immediately notify us if you are called to active
duty or receive deployment or permanent change-of-station orders.
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CONDITION OF THE PREMISES AND ALTERATIONS. You accept
the apartment, fixtures, and furniture as is, except for conditions materially
affecting the health or safety of ordinary persons. We disclaim all implied
warranties. You’ll be given an Inventory & Condition form on or before
move-in. Within 48 hours after move-in, you must sign and note on the
form all defects or damage and return it to us. Otherwise, everything will
be considered to be in a clean, safe, and good working condition.
You must use customary diligence in maintaining the apartment and not
damaging or littering the common areas. Unless authorized by statute or by us
in writing, you must not do any repairs, painting, wallpapering, carpeting,
electrical changes, or otherwise alter our property. No holes or stickers are
allowed inside or outside the apartment. We’ll permit a reasonable number
of small nail holes for hanging pictures on sheetrock walls and grooves of
wood-paneled walls, unless our rules state otherwise. No water furniture,
washing machines, extra phone or television outlets, alarm systems, or lock
changes, additions, or rekeying is permitted unless allowed by statute or
we’ve consented in writing. You may install a satellite dish or antenna
provided you sign our satellite dish or antenna lease addendum which
complies with reasonable restrictions allowed by federal law. You agree not
to alter, damage, or remove our property, including alarm systems,
detection devices, furniture, telephone and television wiring, screens, locks,
and security devices. When you move in, we’ll supply light bulbs for fixtures
we furnish, including exterior fixtures operated from inside the apartment;
after that, you’ll replace them at your expense with bulbs of the same type
and wattage. Your improvements to the apartment (whether or not we
consent) become ours unless we agree otherwise in writing.
We are committed to the principles of fair housing. In accordance with
fair housing laws, we will make reasonable accommodations to our rules,
policies, practices or services, and/or will allow reasonable modifications
under such laws to give persons with disabilities access to and use of this
apartment community. We may require you to sign an addendum
regarding the approval and implementation of such accommodations or
modifications, as well as restoration obligations, if any.
RESIDENT SAFETY AND LOSS. You and all occupants and guests must
exercise due care for your own and others’ safety and security, especially
in the use of smoke alarms and other detection devices, door and window
locks, and other safety or security devices. You agree to make every effort
to follow the Security Guidelines on page 5. Window screens are not for
security or keeping people from falling out.
Alarm and Detection Devices. We’ll furnish smoke alarms or other
detection devices required by statute or city ordinance, and we’ll test them
and provide working batteries when you first take possession. After that,
you must pay for and replace batteries as needed, unless the law provides
otherwise. We may replace dead or missing batteries at your expense,
without prior notice to you. You must immediately report alarm or detector
malfunctions to us. Neither you nor others may disable alarms or detectors.
If you damage or disable the smoke alarm, or remove a battery without replacing it
with a working battery, you may be liable to us under Section 92.2611, Texas
Property Code for $100 plus one month’s rent, actual damages, and attorney’s fees.
You also will be liable to us and others if you fail to report malfunctions, or any
loss, damage, or fines resulting from fire, smoke, or water. Upon request, we
will provide, as required by law, a smoke alarm detector capable of alerting a
person with a hearing-impairment disability.
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Loss. We’re not liable to any resident, guest, or occupant for personal injury
or damage, loss of personal property, or business or personal income from
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cause, including,
but not limited to, fire,
smoke, rain, flood, water
YOUR INITIALS: _________, INITIALS OF OUR REPRESENTATIVE: __________
REQUESTS, REPAIRS, AND MALFUNCTIONS. If you or any occupant
needs to send a notice or request—for example, for repairs, installations,
services, ownership disclosure or security-related matters—IT MUST BE
SIGNED AND IN WRITING to our designated representative (except in
case of fire, smoke, gas, explosion, overflowing sewage, uncontrollable running
water, electrical shorts, crime in progress, or fair housing accommodation or
modification).Ourwrittennotes on your oral request do not constitute a written
request from you.
Our complying with or responding to any oral request regarding security
or any other matters doesn’t waive the strict requirement for written notices
under this Lease Contract. You must promptly notify us in writing of: water
leaks; mold; electrical problems; malfunctioning lights; broken or missing
locks or latches; and other conditions that pose a hazard to property, health, or
safety. We may change or install utility lines or equipment serving the apartment if the work is done reasonably without substantially increasing your
utility costs. We may turn off equipment and interrupt utilities as needed
to avoid property damage or to perform work. If utilities malfunction or are
damaged by fire, water, or similar cause, you must notify our representative
immediately. Air conditioning problems are normally not emergencies. If
air conditioning or other equipment malfunctions, you must notify us as soon
as possible on a business day. We’ll act with customary diligence to make
repairs and reconnections, taking into consideration when casualty insurance
proceeds are received. Rent will not abate in whole or in part.
If we believe that fire or catastrophic damage is substantial, or that
performance of needed repairs poses a danger to you, we may terminate
this Lease Contract by giving you at least 5 days written notice. We may
also remove personal property if it causes a health or safety hazard. If the
Lease Contract is so terminated, we’ll refund prorated rent and all deposits,
less lawful deductions.
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27.
ANIMALS. No animals (including mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, rodents,
amphibians, arachnids, and insects) are allowed, even temporarily, anywhere in
the apartment or apartment community unless we’ve so authorized in writing.
If we allow an animal, you must sign a separate animal addendum and
pay an animal deposit. An animal deposit is considered a general security
deposit. We will authorize a support animal for a disabled person but will
not require an animal deposit. We may require a written statement from
a qualified professional verifying the need for the support animal. You
must not feed stray or wild animals.
If you or any guest or occupant violates animal restrictions (with or without
your knowledge), you’ll be subject to charges, damages, eviction, and
other remedies provided in this Lease Contract. If an animal has been in
the apartment at any time during your term of occupancy (with or without
our consent), we’ll charge you for all cleaning and repair costs, including
defleaing, deodorizing, and shampooing. Initial and daily animal-violation
charges and animal-removal charges are liquidated damages for our time,
inconvenience, and overhead (except for attorney’s fees and litigation costs) in
enforcing animal restrictions and rules. We may remove an unauthorized
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removing unauthorized animals; disconnecting utilities involving
bona fide repairs, emergencies or construction; retrieving property
owned or leased by former residents; inspecting when immediate
danger to person or property is reasonably suspected; allowing
persons to enter as you authorized in your rental application (if
you die, are incarcerated, etc.); allowing entry by a law officer
with a search or arrest warrant, or in hot pursuit; showing
apartment to prospective residents (after move-out or vacate
notice has been given); or showing apartment to government
representatives for the limited purpose of determining housing
and fire ordinance compliance, and to lenders, appraisers,
contractors, prospective buyers, or insurance agents.
animal by (1) leaving, in a conspicuous place in the apartment, a 24-hour written
notice of intent to remove the animal, and (2) following the procedures of
paragraph 28. We may keep or kennel the animal or turn it over to a humane
society or local authority. When keeping or kenneling an animal, we won’t
be liable for loss, harm, sickness, or death of the animal unless due
to our negligence. We’ll return the animal to you upon request if it
has not already been turned over to a humane society or local
authority. You must pay for the animal’s reasonable care and
kenneling charges. We have no lien on the animal for any purpose.
28. WHEN WE MAY ENTER. If you or any guest or occupant is
present, then repairers, servicers, contractors, our representatives,
or other persons listed in (2) below may peacefully enter the
apartment at reasonable times for the purposes listed in (2) below.
If nobody is in the apartment, then such persons may enter
peacefully and at reasonable times by duplicate or master key (or
by breaking a window or other means when necessary) if:
(1) written notice of the entry is left in a conspicuous place in the
apartment immediately after the entry; and
(2) entry is for: responding to your request; making repairs or
replacements; estimating repair or refurbishing costs; performing
pest control; doing preventive maintenance; checking for water
leaks; changing filters; testing or replacing detection or alarm
device(s) or batteries; retrieving unreturned tools, equipment, or
appliances; preventing waste of utilities; exercising our
contractual lien; leaving notices; delivering, installing,
reconnecting, or replacing appliances, furniture, equipment, or
security devices; removing or rekeying unauthorized security
devices; removing unauthorized window coverings; stopping
excessive noise; removing health or safety hazards (including
hazardous materials), or items prohibited under our rules;
removing perishable foodstuffs if your electricity is disconnected;
29. MULTIPLE RESIDENTS. Each resident is jointly and severally liable
for all Lease Contract obligations. If you or any guest or occupant
violates the Lease Contract or rules, all residents are considered to
have violated the Lease Contract. Our requests and notices (including
sale notices) to any resident constitute notice to all residents and
occupants. Notices and requests from any resident or occupant
constitute notice from all residents. Your notice of Lease Contract
termination may be given only by residents. In eviction suits, each resident
is considered the agent of all other residents in the apartment for service
of process. Any resident who defaults under this Lease Contract will
indemnify the non-defaulting residents and their guarantors.
Security deposit refund check and any deduction itemizations will
be by: (check one)
❒ one check jointly payable to all residents and mailed to any
one resident we choose, OR
❒ one check payable and mailed to ___________________________
_________________________________ (specify name of one resident).
If neither is checked, then the refund will be made in one check jointly
payable to all residents.
Replacements
30. REPLACEMENTS AND SUBLETTING. Replacing a resident,
subletting, or assignment is allowed only when we consent in writing.
If departing or remaining residents find a replacement resident
acceptable to us before moving out and we expressly consent to the
replacement, subletting, or assignment, then:
(1) a reletting charge will not be due;
(2) a reasonable administrative (paperwork) fee will be due, and a
rekeying fee will be due if rekeying is requested or required; and
(3) the departing and remaining residents will remain liable for all
Lease Contract obligations for the rest of the original Lease
Contract term.
Procedures for Replacement. If we approve a replacement
resident, then, at our option: (1) the replacement resident must sign
this Lease Contract with or without an increase in the total security
deposit; or (2) the remaining and replacement residents must sign
an entirely new Lease Contract. Unless we agree otherwise in
writing, your security deposit will automatically transfer to the
replacement resident as of the date we approve. The departing
resident will no longer have a right to occupancy or a security deposit
refund, but will remain liable for the remainder of the original Lease
Contract term unless we agree otherwise in writing–even if a new
Lease Contract is signed.
Responsibilities of Owner and Resident
31. RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNER. We’ll act with customary
diligence to:
(1) keep common areas reasonably clean, subject to paragraph 25;
(2) maintain fixtures, hot water, heating, and A/C equipment;
(3) substantially comply with all applicable laws regarding safety,
sanitation, and fair housing; and
(4) make all reasonable repairs, subject to your obligation to pay
for damages for which you are liable.
If we violate any of the above, you may possibly terminate this Lease
Contract and exercise other remedies under Texas Property Code
Section 92.056 by following this procedure:
(a) all rent must be current and you must make a written request
for repair or remedy of the condition—after which we’ll have a
reasonable time for repair or remedy;
(b) if we fail to do so, you must make a second written request for
the repair or remedy (to make sure that there has been no
miscommunication between us)—after which we’ll have a
reasonable time for the repair or remedy; and
(c) if the repair or remedy still hasn’t been accomplished within that
reasonable time period, you may immediately terminate this
Lease Contract by giving us a final written notice. You also may
exercise other statutory remedies, including those under Texas
Property Code Section 92.0561.
Instead of giving the two written requests referred to above, you may
give us one request by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by
registered mail—after which we will have a reasonable time for repair
or remedy. “Reasonable time” takes into account the nature of the
problem and the reasonable availability of materials, labor, and
utilities. Your rent must be current at the time of any request. We will
refund security deposits and prorated rent as required by law.
32. DEFAULT BY RESIDENT. You’ll be in default if: (1) you don’t pay
rent or other amounts that you owe on time; (2) you or any guest or
occupant violates this Lease Contract, apartment rules, or fire, safety,
health, or criminal laws, regardless of whether or where arrest or
conviction occurs; (3) you abandon the apartment; (4) you give
incorrect or false answers in a rental application; (5) you or any
occupant is arrested, charged, detained, convicted, or given deferred
adjudication or pretrial diversion for (i) a felony offense involving
actual or potential physical harm to a person, or involving possession,
manufacture, or delivery of a controlled substance, marihuana, or
drug paraphernalia as defined in the Texas Controlled Substances
Act, or (ii) any sex-related crime, including a misdemeanor; (6) any
illegal drugs or paraphernalia are found in your apartment; or (7) you
or any occupant, in bad faith, makes an invalid habitability complaint
to an official or employee of a utility company or the government.
Eviction. If you default or holdover, we may end your right of occupancy
by giving you a 24-hour written notice to vacate. Notice may be by:
(1) regular mail; (2) certified mail, return receipt requested; (3) personal
delivery to any resident; (4) personal delivery at the apartment to any
occupant over 16 years old; or (5) affixing the notice to the inside of the
apartment’s main entry door. Notice by mail only will be considered
delivered on the earlier of: (1) actual delivery, or (2) three days (not
counting Sundays or federal holidays) after the notice is deposited
in the U.S. Postal Service with postage. Termination of your possession
rights or subsequent reletting doesn’t release you from liability for
future rent or other Lease Contract obligations. After giving notice to
APARTMENT LEASE CONTRACT
© 2011, TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, INC.
vacate or filing an eviction suit, we may still accept rent or other sums
due; the filing or acceptance doesn’t waive or diminish our right of
eviction, or any other contractual or statutory right. Accepting money
at any time doesn’t waive our right to damages; past or future rent
or other sums; or to continue with eviction proceedings.
Acceleration. All monthly rent for the rest of the Lease Contract term
or renewal period will be accelerated automatically without notice or
demand (before or after acceleration) and will be immediately due
and delinquent if, without our written consent: (1) you move out,
remove property in preparing to move out, or give oral or written
notice (by you or any occupant) of intent to move out before the Lease
Contract term or renewal period ends; and (2) you’ve not paid all rent
for the entire Lease Contract term or renewal period. Such conduct
is considered a default for which we need not give you notice.
Remaining rent also will be accelerated if you’re judicially evicted or
move out when we demand because you’ve defaulted. Acceleration
is subject to our mitigation obligations below.
Holdover. You or any occupant, invitee, or guest must not hold over
beyond the date contained in your move-out notice or our notice to
vacate (or beyond a different move-out date agreed to by the parties
in writing). If a holdover occurs, then: (1) holdover rent is due in
advance on a daily basis and may become delinquent without notice
or demand; (2) rent for the holdover period will be increased by 25%
over the then-existing rent, without notice; (3) you’ll be liable to us
(subject to our mitigation duties) for all rent for the full term of the
previously signed Lease Contract of a new resident who can’t occupy
because of the holdover; and (4) at our option, we may extend the
Lease Contract term—for up to one month from the date of notice of
Lease Contract extension—by delivering written notice to you or your
apartment while you continue to hold over.
Other Remedies. We may report unpaid amounts to credit agencies.
If you default and move out early, you will pay us any amounts stated
to be rental discounts or concessions agreed to in writing, in addition to
other sums due. Upon your default, we have all other legal remedies,
including Lease Contract termination and statutory lockout under
Section 92.0081, Texas Property Code, except as lockouts and liens
are prohibited by Section 2306.6736, Texas Government Code, for
owners supported by housing tax credit allocations. A prevailing
party may recover reasonable attorney’s fees and all other litigation
costs from the non-prevailing parties, except a party may not recover
attorney’s fees and litigation costs in connection with a party's claims
seeking personal injury, sentimental, exemplary or punitive damages.
We may recover attorneys’ fees in connection with enforcing our rights
under this Lease Contract. You agree that late charges are liquidated
damages and a reasonable estimate of such damages for our time,
inconvenience, and overhead associated with collecting late rent (but
are not for attorney’s fees and litigation costs). All unpaid amounts you
owe, including judgments, bear 18% interest per year from due date,
compounded annually. You must pay all collection-agency fees if you
fail to pay all sums due within 10 days after we mail you a letter
demanding payment and stating that collection agency fees will be
added if you don’t pay all sums by that deadline.
Mitigation of Damages. If you move out early, you’ll be subject to
paragraph 11 and all other remedies. We’ll exercise customary
diligence to relet and minimize damages. We’ll credit all subsequent
rent that we actually receive from subsequent residents against your
liability for past-due and future rent and other sums due.
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General Clauses
33. MISCELLANEOUS. Neither we nor any of our representatives have
made any oral promises, representations, or agreements. This Lease
Contract is the entire agreement between you and us. Our representatives
(including management personnel, employees, and agents) have no
authority to waive, amend, or terminate this Lease Contract or any part
of it, unless in writing, and no authority to make promises, representations,
or agreements that impose security duties or other obligations on us or our
representatives unless in writing. No action or omission by us will be
considered a waiver of our rights or of any subsequent violation,
default, or time or place of performance. Our not enforcing or
belatedly enforcing written-notice requirements, rental due dates,
acceleration, liens, or other rights isn’t a waiver under any
circumstances. Except when notice or demand is required by statute,
you waive any notice and demand for performance from us if you
default. Written notice to or from our managers constitutes notice to
or from us. Any person giving a notice under this Lease Contract
should retain a copy of the memo, letter, or fax that was given, as well
as any fax transmittal verification. Fax or electronic signatures are
binding. All notices must be signed. Notices may not be given by email
or other electronic transmission.
Exercising one remedy won’t constitute an election or waiver of other
remedies. Insurance subrogation is waived by all parties. All
remedies are cumulative. No employee, agent, or management
company is personally liable for any of our contractual, statutory,
or other obligations merely by virtue of acting on our behalf. This
Lease Contract binds subsequent owners. Neither an invalid clause
nor the omission of initials on any page invalidates this Lease
Contract. All notices and documents may be in English and, at our
option, in any language that you read or speak. All provisions
regarding our non-liability and non-duty apply to our employees,
agents, and management companies. This Lease Contract is
subordinate to existing and future recorded mortgages, unless the
owner’s lender chooses otherwise. All Lease Contract obligations
must be performed in the county where the apartment is located.
Television channels that are provided may be changed during
the Lease Contract term if the change applies to all residents.
Utilities may be used only for normal household purposes and
must not be wasted. If your electricity is ever interrupted, you
must use only battery-operated lighting.
34. PAYMENTS. Payment of all sums is an independent covenant.
At our option and without notice, we may apply money received
(other than sale proceeds under paragraph 13 or utility payments
subject to government regulation) first to any of your unpaid
obligations, then to current rent—regardless of notations on checks
or money orders and regardless of when the obligations arose. All
sums other than rent are due upon our demand. After the due date,
we do not have to accept the rent or any other payments.
35. TAA MEMBERSHIP. We represent that, at the time of signing this
Lease Contract: (1) we; (2) the management company that represents
us; or (3) any locator service that procured you is a member in good
standing of both the Texas Apartment Association and the affiliated
local apartment association for the area where the apartment is
located. The member is either an owner/management company
member or an associate member doing business as a locator service
(whose name and address must be disclosed on page 6). If not, the
following applies: (1) this Lease Contract is voidable at your option
and is unenforceable by us (except for property damages); and (2)
we may not recover past or future rent or other charges. The above
remedies also apply if both of the following occur: (1) the Lease
Contract is automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis two
or more times after membership in TAA and the local association has
lapsed; and (2) neither the owner nor the management company is a
member of TAA and the local association at the time of the third
automatic renewal. A signed affidavit from the local affiliated
apartment association which attests to non-membership when the
Lease Contract or renewal was signed will be conclusive evidence
of non-membership. Governmental entities may use TAA forms
if TAA agrees in writing.
We may deactivate or not install keyless bolting devices on your
doors if: (1) you or an occupant in the dwelling is over 55 or
disabled, and (2) the requirements of Section 92.153(e) or (f), Texas
Property Code are satisfied.
Security Guidelines for Residents
36. SECURITY GUIDELINES. We care about your safety and that
of other occupants and guests. No security system is failsafe. Even
the best system can’t prevent crime. Always act as if security
systems don’t exist since they are subject to malfunction, tampering,
and human error. We disclaim any express or implied warranties
of security. The best safety measures are the ones you perform as
a matter of common sense and habit.
Inform all other occupants in your apartment, including any
children you may have, about these guidelines. We recommend
that all residents and occupants use common sense and follow
crime prevention tips, such as those listed below:
• In case of emergency, call 911. Always report emergencies to
authorities first and then contact the management.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police first, and then follow
up with a written notice to us.
• Know your neighbors. Watching out for each other is one of the
best defenses against crime.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that are
not well-traveled or well-lit.
• Keep your keys handy at all times when walking to your car or
home.
• Do not go inside if you arrive home and find your door open. Call
the police from another location and ask them to meet you before
entering.
• Make sure door locks, window latches and sliding glass doors
are properly secured at all times.
• Use the keyless deadbolt in your apartment when you are at
home.
• Don’t put your name or address on your key ring or hide extra keys
in obvious places, like under a flower pot. If you lose a key or have
concerns about key safety, we will rekey your locks at your expense,
in accordance with paragraph 9 of the Lease Contract.
• Check the door viewer before answering the door. Don’t open
the door if you don’t know the person or have any doubts.
Children who are old enough to take care of themselves should
never let anyone inside when home without an adult.
• Regularly check your security devices, smoke alarms and other
detection devices to make sure they are working properly.
Alarm and detection device batteries should be tested monthly
and replaced at least twice a year.
• Immediately report in writing (dated and signed) to us any
needed repairs of security devices, doors, windows, smoke
alarms and other detection devices, as well as any other
malfunctioning safety devices on the property, such as broken
access gates, burned out exterior lights, etc.
• If your doors or windows are not secure due to a malfunction
or break-in, stay with a friend or neighbor until the problem is
fixed.
• When you leave home, make sure someone knows where you’re
going and when you plan to be back.
• Lock your doors and leave a radio or TV playing softly while
you’re gone. Close curtains, blinds and window shades at night.
• While gone for an extended period, secure your home and use
lamp timers. Also stop all deliveries (such as newspaper and
mail) or have these items picked up daily by a friend.
• Know at least two exit routes from your home, if possible.
• Don’t give entry keys, codes or gate access cards to anyone.
• Always lock the doors on your car, even while driving. Take the
keys and remove or hide any valuables. Park your vehicle in a
well-lit area.
• Check the backseat before getting into your car. Be careful
stopping at gas stations or automatic-teller machines at night—
or anytime when you suspect danger.
There are many other crime prevention tips readily available from
police departments and others.
When Moving Out
37. MOVE-OUT NOTICE. Before moving out, you must give our
representative advance written move-out notice as provided below.
Your move-out notice will not release you from liability for the full
term of the Lease Contract or renewal term. You will still be liable
for the entire Lease Contract term if you move out early (paragraph
22) except under paragraphs 10, 16, 22, 23 or 31. YOUR MOVEOUT NOTICE MUST COMPLY WITH EACH OF THE
FOLLOWING:
• We must receive advance written notice of your move-out date.
The advance notice must be at least the number of days of notice
required in paragraph 3 or in special provisions—even if the
Lease Contract has become a month-to-month lease. If a moveout notice is received on the first, it will suffice for move-out on
the last day of the month of intended move-out, provided that
all other requirements below are met.
• The move-out date in your notice [check one]: ❒ must be the last
day of the month; or ❒ may be the exact day designated in your
notice. If neither is checked, the second applies.
APARTMENT LEASE CONTRACT
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• Your move-out notice must be in writing. Oral move-out notice
will not be accepted and will not terminate your Lease Contract.
• Your move-out notice must not terminate the Lease Contract
sooner than the end of the Lease Contract term or renewal period.
• If we require you to give us more than 30 days written notice to
move-out before the end of the Lease Contract term, we will give
you a written reminder not less than 5 days nor more than 90 days
before your deadline for giving us your written move-out notice.
If we fail to provide a reminder notice, 30 days written notice to
move-out is required.
YOUR NOTICE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IF IT DOES NOT COMPLY
WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE. We recommend you use our written
move-out form to ensure you provide the information needed. You
must obtain from us written acknowledgment that we received
your move-out notice. If we terminate the Lease Contract, we must
give you the same advance notice—unless you are in default.
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38. MOVE-OUT PROCEDURES. The move-out date can’t be changed
unless we and you both agree in writing. You won’t move out before
the Lease Contract term or renewal period ends unless all rent for the
entire Lease Contract term or renewal period is paid in full. Early
move-out may result in reletting charges and acceleration of future
rent under paragraphs 11 and 32. You’re prohibited by law from
applying any security deposit to rent. You won’t stay beyond the
date you are supposed to move out. All residents, guests, and
occupants must surrender or abandon the apartment before the 30day period for deposit refund begins. You must give us and the U.S.
Postal Service, in writing, each resident’s forwarding address.
3 9 . CLEANING. You must thoroughly clean the apartment, including
doors, windows, furniture, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, patios,
balconies, garages, carports, and storage rooms. You must follow
move-out cleaning instructions if they have been provided. If you
don’t clean adequately, you’ll be liable for reasonable cleaning
charges—including charges for cleaning carpets, draperies, furniture,
walls, etc. that are soiled beyond normal wear (that is, wear or soiling
that occurs without negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse).
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4 0 . MOVE-OUT INSPECTION. You should meet with our
representative for a move-out inspection. Our representative has no
authority to bind or limit us regarding deductions for repairs, damages,
or charges. Any statements or estimates by us or our representative
are subject to our correction, modification, or disapproval before final
refunding or accounting.
41. SECURITY DEPOSIT DEDUCTIONS AND OTHER CHARGES.
You’ll be liable for the following charges, if applicable: unpaid rent;
unpaid utilities; unreimbursed service charges; repairs or damages
caused by negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse, including
stickers, scratches, tears, burns, stains, or unapproved holes;
replacement cost of our property that was in or attached to the
apartment and is missing; replacing dead or missing alarm or
detection device batteries at any time; utilities for repairs or cleaning;
trips to let in company representatives to remove your telephone,
Internet, or television services or rental items (if you so request or have
moved out); trips to open the apartment when you or any guest or
occupant is missing a key; unreturned keys; missing or burned-out
light bulbs; removing or rekeying unauthorized security devices or
alarm systems; agreed reletting charges; packing, removing, or
storing property removed or stored under paragraph 13; removing
or booting illegally parked vehicles; special trips for trash removal
caused by parked vehicles blocking dumpsters; false security-alarm
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charges unless due to our negligence; animal-related charges under
paragraphs 6 and 27; government fees or fines against us for
violation (by you, your occupants, or guests) of local ordinances
relating to alarms and detection devices, false alarms, recycling, or
other matters; late-payment and returned-check charges; a charge
(not to exceed $100) for our time and inconvenience in our lawful
removal of an animal or in any valid eviction proceeding against you,
plus attorney’s fees, court costs, and filing fees actually paid; and
other sums due under this Lease Contract.
You’ll be liable to us for: (1) charges for replacing all keys and access
devices referenced in paragraph 5 if you fail to return them on or before
your actual move-out date; (2) accelerated rent if you have violated
paragraph 32; and (3) a reletting fee if you have violated paragraph 11.
42. DEPOSIT RETURN, SURRENDER, AND ABANDONMENT.
We’ll mail you your security deposit refund (less lawful
deductions) and an itemized accounting of any deductions no later
than 30 days after surrender or abandonment, unless statutes
provide otherwise.
You have surrendered the apartment when: (1) the move-out date has
passed and no one is living in the apartment in our reasonable
judgment; or (2) apartment keys and access devices listed in paragraph
5 have been turned in to us—whichever date occurs first.
You have abandoned the apartment when all of the following have
occurred: (1) everyone appears to have moved out in our reasonable
judgment; (2) clothes, furniture, and personal belongings have been
substantially removed in our reasonable judgment; (3) you’ve been
in default for non-payment of rent for 5 consecutive days, or water,
gas, or electric service for the apartment not connected in our name
has been terminated or transferred; and (4) you’ve not responded for
2 days to our notice left on the inside of the main entry door, stating
that we consider the apartment abandoned. An apartment is also
“abandoned” 10 days after the death of a sole resident.
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Surrender, abandonment, or judicial eviction ends your right of
possession for all purposes and gives us the immediate right to: clean
up, make repairs in, and relet the apartment; determine any security
deposit deductions; and remove property left in the apartment.
Surrender, abandonment, and judicial eviction affect your rights to
property left in the apartment (paragraph 13), but do not affect our
mitigation obligations (paragraph 32).
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43. ORIGINALS AND ATTACHMENTS. This Lease Contract has
been executed in multiple originals, each with original signatures—
one for you and one or more for us. Our rules and community
policies, if any, will be attached to the Lease Contract and given to
you at signing. When an Inventory and Condition form is completed,
both you and we should retain a copy. The items checked below are
attached to and become a part of this Lease Contract and are binding
even if not initialed or signed.
❒ Access Gate Addendum
❒ Additional Special Provisions
❒ Allocation Addendum for: ❒ electricity ❒ water ❒ gas
❒ central system costs
❒ trash/recycling
❒ cable/satellite
❒ stormwater/drainage ❒ services/government fees
❒ Animal Addendum
❒ Apartment Rules or Community Policies
❒ Asbestos Addendum (if asbestos is present)
❒ Bed Bug Addendum
❒ Early Termination Addendum
❒ Enclosed Garage, Carport or Storage Unit Addendum
❒ Inventory & Condition Form
❒ Intrusion Alarm Addendum
❒ Lead Hazard Information and Disclosure Addendum
❒ Lease Contract Guaranty (______ guaranties, if more than one)
❒ Legal Description of Apartment (optional, if rental term longer than one year)
❒ Military SCRA Addendum
❒ Mold Information and Prevention Addendum
❒ Move-Out Cleaning Instructions
❒ Notice of Intent to Move Out Form
❒ Parking Permit or Sticker (quantity:______)
❒ Rent Concession Addendum
❒ Renter’s or Liability Insurance Addendum
❒ Repair or Service Request Form
❒ Satellite Dish or Antenna Addendum
❒ TCEQ Tenant Guide to Water Allocation
❒ Utility Submetering Addendum for: ❒ electricity ❒ water ❒ gas
❒ Other _________________________________________________________
❒ Other _________________________________________________________
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Name, address and telephone number of locator service (if applicable—
must be completed to verify TAA membership under paragraph 35):
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APARTMENT LEASE CONTRACT
You are legally bound by this document.
Please read it carefully.
Before submitting a rental application
or signing a Lease Contract, you may take a copy
of these documents to review and/or consult an attorney.
Additional provisions or changes may be made
in the Lease Contract if agreed to in writing by all parties.
You are entitled to receive an original of this Lease Contract
after it is fully signed. Keep it in a safe place.
Resident or Residents (all sign below)
_________________________________________________________________
Date signed
_________________________________________________________________
Date signed
_________________________________________________________________
Date signed
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Owner or
Owner’s Representative
(signing on USE
behalf of owner)
_________________________________________________________________
Date signed
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address and phone number of owner’s representative for notice purposes
_________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
After-hours phone number____________________________________________
(Always call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies.)
Date form is filled out (same as on top of page 1) ___________________
TAA Official Statewide Form 11-A/B-1/B-2; Revised October, 2011; Copyright 2011, Texas Apartment Association, Inc.
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